SLAUGHTER BEACH, DOG - Birdie (Sealed) (CD)

The new solo album from Slaughter Beach, Dog, otherwise known as Jake Ewald from Modern Baseball. We love his songwriting, these tunes take on more of a laid back, folky singer-songwriter approach hat show off Jakes witty lyricsm and distinct voice. Where the songs on Welcome could have passed as MoBo tracks if viewed in the right light, most of these newer ones are more influenced by folk and country. That comes through not only in the sharp world-building that’s on display, but in the soft strums and twang and chorus that borrows lines from a folk standard popularized by the likes of John Denver and Pete Seeger. Ewald’s mighty melodic sensibilities stay intact, though - and are maybe even strengthened by the lack of noise surrounding them - and he’s at his best when writing evocative observations of life in miniature - Stereogum